WASHINGTON, D.C. – Democracy Reform Task Force Chair Rep. John Sarbanes (D-Md.) released the following statement today after Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh approved a ballot question that would give voters the opportunity to amend the City charter and create Baltimore’s first citizen-owned election system:

“Today, Baltimore took a huge step toward joining the ranks of cities, counties and states around the country – including Montgomery County and Howard County in Maryland – that are taking a stand against big-money politics and making government more responsive to the needs of everyday citizens. I want to congratulate the City Council – specifically Councilman Burnett – and Mayor Pugh on this achievement. Baltimore voters can now lead the way in fixing our democracy and reforming our politics – returning us to government of, by and for the people.”